Schelotto in Demand

The Insider has learned that Columbus star Guillermo Barros Schelotto, the reigning MLS most valuable player and among the top midseason favorites for the award this year, is again attracting interest from his native Argentina. One club has stepped forward, though its identity was not immediately made available. Schelotto has told colleagues that he would prefer to return to the Crew next year, if Columbus wants him.

Schelotto is set to earn $775,000 this season after taking home $375,000 in 2008 and $150,000 in '07.

How good is this guy? In 64 league appearances, he has 22 goals and 33 assists. He leads the league in goals this year with 10. Not bad for a 36-year-old.....

Schelotto would prefer to remain with the Crew? Interesting. I wonder if there's anyone else who would make that choice, assuming the money isn't the issue. With much love for Moreno and Etcheverry -- and even respect for Beckham -- Schelotto is probably the best player MLS has had.

Steve, I think you're right to ask this question. Sure, Schelloto's been great for the Crew up to now, but at 36, there's no question that his return will start to diminish. If there's a decent and confirmed offer for him, Columbus could clear salary cap space and search for a younger marquee player.

What's not to like about playing here, really? He can play in a league with decent talent, little to no press, little to no fan-fare, and get decent money all while still performing at a high level. Other leagues can offer more money and offer more talent/competition but unless it's all about the money why would an aging star need more pressure, stiffer competition and higher expectations?

Steve - how will the status of the CBA negotiations impact situations like this? Can teams and players really make informed decisions on someone this important when they don't know roster rules, possible cap changes, etc.?

With much love for Moreno and Etcheverry -- and even respect for Beckham -- Schelotto is probably the best player MLS has had.

Posted by: fischy | July 2, 2009 11:36 AM

Wow - high praise indeed. I think I'd give it to El Diablo. But Schelotto has quickly added himself to the Mount Rushmore of MLS. Who else could be up there... Moreno? Valderrama (maybe the most fun player to watch in league history)? Preki? Donovan? Dyachenko? ;-)

Anyway, as far as the original question posed: if he showed any evidence of the inevitable deterioration of his skills from age, it might be harder to justify extending his contract. But he hasn't -- not yet, anyway. If he wants to stay, Columbus would be crazy not to hang onto him.

Even if Boca did want him back, after benching him, he came to the US for playing time and a new opportunity. If he went back theres no way he gets as much playing time as he does here, even though the fans would LOVE it!

DouginCMH: Thanks. I asked because family things often drive career decisions late in one's soccer career. I can imagine him thinking "yeah, I could go back to Argentina and make a little (but not a lot) more money and be part of the circus; but I'm doing well here *and* my family likes it. It's a good place to raise a family. So I'll stay here."

No disrespect to Schellotto who has plenty to offer, but Jaime Moreno is bar none, the best player ever to have played in the MLS. Etcheverry showed up here after a significant knee injury, Valderama when he was already sliding into decline, Blanco after both, but Jaime came into the league at the height of his considerable talent and managed to keep chronic-injury free. We got to see him in his peak 27, 28, 29-year-old era, and we're luckier for it.

Guillermo will NEVER return to play for Argentina...much less Boca Juniors. Don't forget that he still has money owed to him from the Boca Juniors. That is the one HUGE and I mean HUGE upside that MLS has over ANY club in latin america. When you sign with the MLS, you will get your paycheck every other week like clock work. You don't even have to worry about the money being in your account. That is not the case in Argentina....So, Guillermo is staying put.